Apple iPad Air 3 specs may outshine iPad Pro

Apple Inc CEO Tim Cook holds up the new iPad Air during an Apple event in San Francisco, California October 22, 2013.
Reuters/Robert Galbraith

The Apple iPad Air 3 is again back in the news. The Cupertino giant is believed to be unveiling the iPad Air 3 with top-notch specs in March 2016. Apple is also rumoured to have equipped the iPad Air 2 successor with high-end configurations like never before.

Speculations indicate that the new tablet will surpass the much coveted giant screen Apple iPad Pro in one category. The new 9.7-inch iPad Air 3 will allegedly come equipped with an impressive 4K resolution panel compared to the 2K display of the iPad Pro.

The 4K display on a 9.7-inch device will significantly enhance the viewing experience. The Apple iPad Pro sports a 12.9-inch display with a resolution of 2,048 x 2,732 pixels. The new tablet will also apparently come with an improved battery life.

On top of these features, 4GB RAM (same as the iPad Pro) is rumored to be part of the forthcoming Apple iPad Air 3. Moreover, the A9X processor is expected to power the slate.

The supply chain sources at DigiTimes revealed that the slowing iPhone sales in the first quarter ending December prompted Apple to equip the upcoming tablet with top-end specs. Earlier this week, Apple reported its fiscal Q1 2016 earnings which indicated declining iPhone sales.

According to 9to5Mac, Apple is considering March 14 for its launch event. However, the company is yet to confirm the speculations and make a formal announcement. At the same event, Apple is also expected to launch its much awaited 4-inch iPhone, dubbed the iPhone 5se, and new Apple watch models. In the meantime, Apple has already revealed new models of the upcoming Apple Watch.